In the age of Svāyambhuva, when the world was fresh with creation, thirty-three sons were born from the mind—each a unique manifestation of cosmic will. Among these illustrious sons were Vibhāsa, Kratu, Prayāti, Viśruta, and Dyuti; then Asama, Ugradṛṣṭi, Sunaya, and Śuciśravā; Turīya, Idrayuk, Yukta, and Grāvajit; followed by Jara, Vibhu, Vibhāva, Ṛcīka, and Durdiha. These were the exalted Soma-drinkers, the ones who partook in the sacred elixir, and among them, Indra reigned supreme as their lord and the first to enjoy all the gifts of creation. During that era, the world teemed with countless beings: Suparṇas, Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Piśācas, Nāgas, and Rākṣasas. Throughout the interval of Svāyambhuva, unnumbered hosts of these wondrous and fearsome creatures came and went. Their stories are too many to recount here, lest we lose ourselves in digression. What has passed in those ancient times is no longer seen in the present cycle of Vaivasvata. Among those bygone beings were the serpent sages, whose names are worthy of remembrance. There were Atri and Vasiṣṭha, accompanied by the seven sages of the Svāyambhuva epoch—Jyotiṣmān, Dyutimān, Havya, Savana, and Sattra. Swift as the wind and great of soul, they were the kings and the wise ones of that first age, dwelling alongside Piśācas, humans, Suparṇas, and the radiant hosts of Apsarases. So vast was the multitude of names and lineages that their number cannot be known. A tremendous span of time has flowed since then, measured in cycles of solstices, years, and ages. In pondering these ancient origins, one may ask: Whose beginning was it? What was their true nature and essence? What is their name, their self, and their fundamental principle? It is said that the sun is the origin and the eye of all, the measurer of moments and the counter of numbers. Its true nature is the year, and its name is woven from the divisions of time. Understand, then, the fivefold division of time's state: the year is the first, Parivatsara the second, and the fifth among them is called Vatsara; this period is known as a Yuga. The year itself is regarded as the sacrificial fire called Kratu. The movement of the bright and dark fortnights is likened to a bird fashioned from the essence of waters, soaring through the cycles. He who pervades the worlds does so in sevenfold upon sevenfold forms. From the principle of ego arose the fierce Rudra, produced by Brahmā. Now, hear of his true nature as it is praised by the wise. Rudra is the very source of the Ṛg, Sāma, and Yajur Vedas—the lord of the five and the supreme ruler. Sages declare him to be both the year and the sun itself. He governs the planets and stars, cold and heat, rain, lifespan, and all actions. Of mental origin and serene nature, he is the son of Brahma and the lord of creatures. He is Āditya, Savitṛ, Bhānu—the giver of life, honored by Brahma. As the lord of the stars, he is known as the second Parivatsara. He sustains all beings, providing welfare and security to the world. He presides over tithis, festival junctions, and the cycles of full and new moons. Thus, Soma is remembered as the ancestor, embodying the year itself. Through his actions, he initiates and sets in motion all the activities of living beings in this world.